An Abuja-based artist,
Vincent Mbanefo, has lamented the low patronage of artistic works in the country, saying the market could be discouraging even for new artists.
Mbanefo, who specialises in carving, told our correspondent in Abuja that lack of appreciation of creative work could discourage those who are talented.
He said the situation could also dampen the morale of those who would want to build a career in the creative industry.
“If there is encouragement, engagement in art works will help in reducing the rate of unemployment in the country.
“It will also help in boosting a credible and viable industry, just as we have in other parts of the world,’’ the artist said.
He said the high price of art works was not peculiar to Nigeria, saying, “what we need is to stimulate interest in the arts and enhance creativity among the populace, especially among the youths.
“This will help them grow up appreciating and loving the works of arts.
“Based on my experience, the works of arts have to do with emotion and expression. Art works all over the world are expensive. It is not just in Nigeria.
“A mechanic, carpenter, or bricklayer cannot just come and express what is in the mind of the artist.
“The work of an artist is just telling you his dream which everybody cannot interpret,’’ Mbanefo said.
He said many people cannot afford the work of arts because of its rich nature, adding though that “people do appreciate it, but they cannot afford it.
“Arts works are expensive because the materials used in making art pieces are all imported, not to talk of paints, canvass, brush and others used in sculpture.”
Mbanefo said while government was doing its best to provide jobs for the country’s teeming unemployed youths, the youths can also help in providing jobs for themselves by being creative.
“We cannot continue to rely on the government. Government is doing the little it can, but the people should do more, because government has a lot to attend to.
“Youths must at this time think of what they can do for themselves individually, rather than looking up to government for jobs,’’ he added.
The artist, however, called on government to provide support for art works as well as provide an enabling environment for people to thrive without looking up to government for jobs.